Bayonne Fire Department:

A Department with

NJCU Fire Science Leadership!

Bayonne, New Jersey residents have plenty to brag about...they have three highly successful New Jersey City University Fire Science graduates in their community. Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell (to the right), winning re-election in November as a New Jersey State Assemblyman and currently holding the position of Public Safety Director for the city of Bayonne was an NJCU Fire Science graduate in 2006. While to Assemblyman O’Donnell’s right is the newly appointed Bayonne Fire Deputy Chief Keith Weaver. Chief Weaver graduated in 2005 from NJCU with a B.S. in Fire Science and continues his success as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Bayonne, and as an NJCU Adjunct Professor. Between these two very accomplished men there holds a common thread and that thread is Deputy Chief Patrick Boyle (Ret.) who is standing to Chief Weaver’s right. Before retiring, Chief Boyle rose through the ranks of the Bayonne Fire Department to become Deputy Chief and Fire Director. Education was always important to Chief Boyle, and in 2000 he had the opportunity to become Professor Boyle at which time he was able to share his knowledge and experience in the classrooms of NJCU with then students Keith Weaver and Jason O’Donnell. It’s no wonder that Bayonne has one of the most successful fire departments in the state.

Ranked number one on the N.J. Civil Service list for Deputy Chief for the Bayonne Fire Department; New Jersey City University Alumnus and Adjunct Professor Keith Weaver was promoted to the position on September 22, 2011. Also holding the position of Emergency Management Coordinator, the newly appointed Deputy Chief has been a career firefighter and fire officer with the Bayonne Fire Department since 1990.

Being a successful and outstanding firefighter with the Bayonne Fire Department, Deputy Chief Weaver quickly moved up the ranks. Chief Weaver was always positioned in the top percent on the N.J. Civil Service promotional lists; he was ranked number two for Lieutenant (promoted in 2009) and number one for both Captain (promoted in 2003) and Battalion Chief (promoted in 2007). A student of the profession, Chief Weaver knew the importance of education in the fire service. To be successful in any career, educating oneself is a key component to reaching one’s goals. Chief Weaver earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science and Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice both from NJCU, and he also earned a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Specializing in Homeland Security from North Central University. The fire science program at NJCU was a major influence with his success on the promotional exams. Weaver stated, “I learned a great deal about high level topics in my fire science courses. The books utilized, demanding program and experienced Professors all ensured in my being successful both out in the field and on the promotional exams.

Throughout Weaver’s career he had a never-ending desire to learn; then in 2007 he had the opportunity to share his desire to learn with the fire science majors at NJCU. Hired as an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Science department, Prof. Weaver still today is educating students in the field of fire science. “I’m proud to be a part of the NJCU Fire Science faculty. It is a privilege and honor to work side by side with such well respected professionals and to be able to pass my knowledge and experience on to the next generation of fire service professionals.” Besides his new bride Lisa accompanying him at his promotional ceremony there was another NJCU Fire Science Alumnus and Professor… Bayonne Fire Department’s Director, Deputy Chief Patrick Boyle (Ret.).

Chief Boyle was appointed to the Bayonne Fire Department as a firefighter in 1978 after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy. Knowing the importance of education, Chief Boyle pursued a bachelor’s degree in fire science from NJCU; graduating in 1981, Magna cum Laude. As stated by Chief Boyle, “Education is the foundation that you build your career on.” and that was just what he did. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he continued on to law school and earned his Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) from Seton Hall University in 1988. Throughout his career he continued to be a student of the job and had the opportunity to work in all areas of the fire department. His education and experience lead him to advance in his career, and the first of many promotions was in 1989 when he was promoted to Lieutenant. Following his promotion to Lieutenant was Captain in 1996, Fire Director in 1998, Battalion Chief in 1999, and Deputy Chief in 2003.

Having the opportunity to enrich the lives of those striving to be educated fire service professionals, Chief Boyle became Professor Boyle in 2000. Prof. Boyle was able to bring his education and experience back to the classroom and became an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Science program at NJCU. It has been here, at NJCU where he has shared over 30 years experience with our fire science majors. Prof. Boyle stated that, “When you have earned a degree in fire science, you are looked upon as a professional. You have earned an education that will follow you the rest of your career. A degree from NJCU in fire science is the start of a system. You have all the pieces; books, notes, etc… to use as the building blocks for entrance and promotional exams. Take advantage of what is offered to you and you will never regret it.”

N.J. Assemblyman and Bayonne Public Safety Director, Jason O’Donnell was also on hand to watch his fellow NJCU Fire Science alumnus Keith Weaver take the oath of office. Joining ranks with his fellow NJCU graduates, O’Donnell was appointed in 1995 to position of firefighter with the Bayonne Fire Department. As with Chiefs’ Boyle and Weaver, O’Donnell too moved up the ranks. In 2009 Firefighter O’Donnell became Captain O’Donnell and is presently holding the position of Public Safety Director for the city of Bayonne. Director O’Donnell felt that his fire Science education at NJCU enabled him to be successful on his exam for Captain and was significant in his application for his current position as Public Safety Director.

Director O’Donnell not only keeps busy with the city of Bayonne where he was born and raised, but is also holding the position of N.J. State Assemblyman for Legislative District 31. Originally, replacing Assemblyman Anthony Chiapone for the remainder of his term; O’Donnell was sworn into the office as Assemblyman on Sept. 13, 2010. Since that time, Assemblyman O’Donnell (D) was elected into office by winning in a special election in November of 2010 and again won re-election this past November with 40% of the vote. O’Donnell decided to become involved in politics as a way to give back and try to better the communities in which he, his wife and three children live and prosper.

We congratulate all our alumni leaders who have been with the Bayonne Fire Department on their many accomplishments throughout their years of service! Definitely a job well done!